I was walking alone in the woods after selling all vegetables in the market. I had to walk a few miles to reach my house. The forest was surrounded by high mountains and mountain valleys. Now and then, I could feel the movement of rabbits, monkeys, and deer. Somewhere, from a banyan tree, wickets were chirping with a loud sound. I used to get very frightened of the wicket’s noise, especially when I was all alone. Besides, eerie silence throughout the forest scared me.
The greyish clouds turned black abruptly. Thunder and lightning added more fear to my mind. Unexpectedly, within a fraction of a second, heavy rain began and poured down speedily. The ground became wet and slippery. I slowly put my steps forward without pause. Though I held my black umbrella, I got wet partially. The branches of big trees like neem, mango, and banyan were swaying and the whistling wind made me tremble a bit. I had no alternative except to move ahead.
All of a sudden, while walking, I found a small hut amidst the giant trees. Its roof was thatched with palm leaves and walls were made of mud. The light from the middle of the roof reflected on the land. I wished to see the dwellers of the hut and ask for a glass of water or little food. My legs were paining, and I felt I was exhausted. The cool air and wet dress caused me to shiver more and more. Collecting my whole energy and patience, I moved bit faster than before.
I thought I would reach the tiny hut within a few minutes. As I was approaching the hut, I could hear a cry of a small child from inside. She’s crying loudly and searching for someone there. I couldn’t see her face clearly, but could hear the thud of her fastened feet.
“What happened to her? Is there anyone with her? Where were her parents?”I questioned myself.
I reached the dwelling and felt very bad to see the child.
“Hello, baby! What’s your name? Why are you crying? Where are your parents?” I asked her warmly.
The child answered, “I’m Ritu! Mom, dad, sister, and brother didn’t return from the field still.”
“Oh! Don’t panic, my child!”
She seemed to be five years old, and her face was swollen due to oversleeping. She appeared a bit tired.
I asked whether she was hungry. She nodded her head, and her innocent face made me love her. As soon as I stretched my hands, she ran to me and hugged me. Ah! My motherly love didn’t control my mind. I held her so gently and roamed inside the house, humming a small lullaby. She smiled at me and felt comfortable in my hands. I looked around the tiny hut to find something for her. I made a glass of milk warm and gave her a few biscuits. I decided to wait for a few minutes and handover her to her parents once they come.
The rain stopped thereafter, and sky looked very clear. The cool breeze kissed my tired face, and the weather warned me to stop for a while. I sighed and took a long breath. Ritu left my arms, slowly stepped out and started playing with her puppies. Meanwhile, I started noticing the status of the shelter and the things it surrounded by. Suddenly, I heard her crying and peeped out to see her. I was shocked to see a brown scorpion crawling very close to her right foot. Immediately, I moved her aside and took a big stick, and hit him. The scorpion’s movement stopped, and Ritu was saved. I saw her eyes smiling with happiness.
After a few minutes, her parents and siblings arrived. They were surprised to see me and felt happy for helping their child in bad weather. They were in tears and awestruck when Ritu told them how I saved her from scorpion’s bite. I saw Ritu rolling her eyeballs and smiling while talking to them.
I requested her parents not to leave her alone and left the hut happily with a satisfied mind.
CONTEMPLATION 